Athletes from Sendong-ravaged region show hope
LINGAYEN–Five months after the devastating fury of Typhoon Sendong, athletes from Northern Mindanao (Region X) showed their resilience and strength with a meaningful entrance to the Palarong Pambansa 2012 opening ceremonies last May 7.
Carrying a banner tied with white and orange balloons, the NMRAA delegation marched into the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center with a hopeful stride while expressing their gratitude to all those who helped them rise from the tragedy.
“Maraming salamat po sa tulong sa mga biktima ng Sendong… CDO and Iligan, rising up!” the banner reads.
The provincial government of Pangasinan was among the first local government units to send financial assistance to the Sendong victims.
The region, specifically the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, was heavily damaged in December 2011 when the typhoon prompted flashfloods that took the lives of about 800 people, including families and loved ones of the athletes.
More than half of the NMRAA Volleyball team members were victims of Sendong, and they said the tragedy almost hindered them from participating in the Palaro this year.
But with determination, the athletes continued training in the midst of the disaster’s aftermath.
“We are Sendong victims, pero ipapakita namin sa buong mundo na bumangon kami. Kaya namin ito,” the young athletes said. —Markfil Tersol, UPB
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